English cricketer handed 20-week suspension for physical altercation during a match

The Premier Division in England witnessed quite an intense on-field altercation which shook not just the players and fans but the authorities as well. During the clash between Northop and St. Asaph, a fight broke out between two players. Jordan Evans caught skipper John Ryans but he stood his ground. This led to a scuffle following which both the players indulged in a physical fight. Captured on camera, the picture became a hot topic last month.

As a result of the same, Evans has been slapped with a 20-week suspension by the North Wales Cricket League in England. His club Northop has also received a 30 point deduction, 15 of which would be suspended as a result of the above incident. Even their skipper Mark Poynton was handed a two-match ban. The penalties will come into permanence as teams begin their season next year.

Such behaviour is totally unacceptable on a cricket field

The chairman of the league Bob Sugden spoke to The Leader about the controversy. He was certainly not pleased with the on-field incident during the club game. Bob asserted that such physical disputes have no place on the cricket ground. He further hoped that the others will learn from the harsh punishments and such incidents will not be repeated.

“It is always disappointing when something like this happens. There is no place for it on a cricket field and I hope people learn that such behaviour is unacceptable,” Sugden said.

Main concern is to restore a relationship with Northop

On the other hand, St Asaph was cleared of any misconduct after a thorough review. Both the teams were placed on the fourth and fifth position in the 2018 Premiere Division. Their clash where the fight broke out was in fact, a dead rubber. Gareth Ryan, chairman of St Asaph, expects the relationship to improve between both clubs.

“St Asaph Cricket Club’s main concern is to restore a relationship with Northop. We want to re-establish the good relationship we had with Northop a few years ago and to make sure that there is no animosity between the two clubs moving forward,” he stated.

For all the latest cricket news and other updates follow CricTracker.